Transfer to a resort in Hawaii

[jrose529]

NO, longer given you can get a direct flight. We either fly or drive to Atlanta for the direct flight. We simply make it a priority and fortunately our work situation gives us a modicum of flexibility in such matters within reason.

Is a direct flight worth the extra cost? We definitely want to book a direct flight, but some people have told me they like to stop in LA and take a break. What do you think? As you've noticed, we have very little to no flexibility!

 

[Dean]

Is a direct flight worth the extra cost? We definitely want to book a direct flight, but some people have told me they like to stop in LA and take a break. What do you think? As you've noticed, we have very little to no flexibility!

You have two issues, one is you have no flexibility. If you stop over for a day or 2, may as well not go. IMO, flying through the west coast just for the option of getting off a plane and waiting around in the airport is nuts. We've discussed stopping a few days on the way out or back but haven't had the time. We've been able to get the direct flights with FF miles every time we've tried. They did away with the direct flights at one point but they've been back for a few years now. In your case I don't see anything other than the direct flight being reasonable unless you can get perfect and early connections otherwise.

 

[jrose529]

You have two issues, one is you have no flexibility. If you stop over for a day or 2, may as well not go. IMO, flying through the west coast just for the option of getting off a plane and waiting around in the airport is nuts. We've discussed stopping a few days on the way out or back but haven't had the time. We've been able to get the direct flights with FF miles every time we've tried. They did away with the direct flights at one point but they've been back for a few years now. In your case I don't see anything other than the direct flight being reasonable unless you can get perfect and early connections otherwise.

Very true! We plan to fly direct but our only choice is the one flight on Continental. We don't have enough FF miles for this trip, but since everything else is on points, I don't feel terrible about it.

 

[Mberg12]

So I'm curious if you ended up using your points toward the wedding or toward a Maui vacation. Both sound like a fun way to vacation!

 

[jrose529]

So I'm curious if you ended up using your points toward the wedding or toward a Maui vacation. Both sound like a fun way to vacation!

We actually did both! We borrowed and used banked points and booked our week in Maui and our son is going to Argentina for his honeymoon. Thanks for asking! We go to Hawaii next month!

 

[jrose529]

I appreciate everyone's advice. We finally leave next week with a direct flight from Newark. Everything is booked. We are going to the Old Lahaina Luau on Sunday. We discussed taking a helicopter tour, but we both chickened out! If anyone has last minute advice, please let me know.

tomandrobin, do you still have your Maui tips/hints/experiences? I would love to see it.

Does anyone know if the Kaanapali Beach Resort has laundry machines in the rooms, or easily available on the grounds? I would love to pack light, but if I can't wash clothes, I'd have to bring more. I hate to waste vacation time doing laundry, so I hope there are facilities in a 1 bedroom, but I don't expect to find any. We are also going to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu, so if there are laundry facilities there, I can always wait until we get there. We have 3 full days and 2 half days there.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[tomandrobin]

I appreciate everyone's advice. We finally leave next week with a direct flight from Newark. Everything is booked. We are going to the Old Lahaina Luau on Sunday. We discussed taking a helicopter tour, but we both chickened out! If anyone has last minute advice, please let me know.

tomandrobin, do you still have your Maui tips/hints/experiences? I would love to see it.

Does anyone know if the Kaanapali Beach Resort has laundry machines in the rooms, or easily available on the grounds? I would love to pack light, but if I can't wash clothes, I'd have to bring more. I hate to waste vacation time doing laundry, so I hope there are facilities in a 1 bedroom, but I don't expect to find any. We are also going to the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu, so if there are laundry facilities there, I can always wait until we get there. We have 3 full days and 2 half days there.

Thanks again for all your help!

You are staying at condo/timeshares. There will be laundry machines available for your use. There is a Cosco and a Walmart right outside the airport, makes it very convenient to stock-up on your groceries.

We go to the top of the volcano to watch the sunrise on the first night. Its the best day, since your body is still on east coast time (6 hour time difference) so 2-3am is not a big deal to get up.

We like to snorkel and all along the Kaannapli area the snorkeling is very. good. We are doing the same luau as you. Mama's Fish House was our favorite meal. Its located near the airport, so if your departure flight is late, you can make it your last Maui dinner.

Buy your tickets for the luau and other shows online prior to your trip.

 

[jrose529]

Thanks for your quick response tomandrobin! I do have reservations for the luau. Are there other shows on Maui that you recommend? We plan to drive he Road to Hana and I'd like to see the sunrise from the volcano, but DH would rather see the sunset! I told him we'd be fine the first morning, but he isn't interested. We need to discuss this!

I am looking forward to snorkeling and just relaxing. Do you have any sailboat or any boating trip recommendations? We love being on boats of any kind. As far as Mama's Fish House, I have heard from so many people that it is not to be missed, unfortunately, I don't eat seafood of any kind! It sounds crazy since there is so much of it available on the island.

 

[Nikisha421]

Have a great trip. You will enjoy the Old Lahaina Luau if you would like I can post some pictures and live video of the event.


BTW did you schedule the Gazebo in like we discussed when you first started the thread??? It was honestly the best and all of the islanders will tell you the same...

I can't believe the last seven month have come and gone so quickly...but enjoy your trip...

 

[jrose529]

Have a great trip. You will enjoy the Old Lahaina Luau if you would like I can post some pictures and live video of the event.


BTW did you schedule the Gazebo in like we discussed when you first started the thread??? It was honestly the best and all of the islanders will tell you the same...

I can't believe the last seven month have come and gone so quickly...but enjoy your trip...

Thanks! I can't wait! I'd love to see pictures!

I haven't scheduled the Gazebo, but I will. I have to decide when to go.

I'll let you know how the trip goes when we return. I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to share!

 

[tomandrobin]

Thanks for your quick response tomandrobin! I do have reservations for the luau. Are there other shows on Maui that you recommend? We plan to drive he Road to Hana and I'd like to see the sunrise from the volcano, but DH would rather see the sunset! I told him we'd be fine the first morning, but he isn't interested. We need to discuss this!

I am looking forward to snorkeling and just relaxing. Do you have any sailboat or any boating trip recommendations? We love being on boats of any kind. As far as Mama's Fish House, I have heard from so many people that it is not to be missed, unfortunately, I don't eat seafood of any kind! It sounds crazy since there is so much of it available on the island.

Well, there is the comedy show...warren and Annabelle (or something like that).

We are doing boat trip to Molokai to snorkel, with a stop at turtle town. We also just hit the resort beach and some of the other open beaches.

We are staying at the Westin timeshare and most evenings we usually grill and watch the sunset at the resort. The grills at the Westin are located facing the ocean and the sunset.

And if you do go to the top of the volcano, take warm clothes. Its 10,000 above sea level and its breezy and cold. The stars are amazing up there....either way, you will not be disappointed.

 

[jrose529]

Well, there is the comedy show...warren and Annabelle (or something like that).

We are doing boat trip to Molokai to snorkel, with a stop at turtle town. We also just hit the resort beach and some of the other open beaches.

We are staying at the Westin timeshare and most evenings we usually grill and watch the sunset at the resort. The grills at the Westin are located facing the ocean and the sunset.

And if you do go to the top of the volcano, take warm clothes. Its 10,000 above sea level and its breezy and cold. The stars are amazing up there....either way, you will not be disappointed.

What beautiful pictures! I can't wait to see it all for myself!

I'll look into Warren and Annabelle's. I don't know anything about it.

Thanks!

 

[podsnel]

WOW tomandrobin- those pics are breathtaking!! I have really enjoyed reading this thread tonight- planning to go in 2012, but as we all know, its never too soon to start planning any vacation!! DH & I honeymooned on Hawaii & Maui nearly 25 years ago- never went up to see the sunrise , planning to do that for the first time with our kids.

jrose25- have an amazing vacation- Hawaii is like no place on earth, you are in for more beauty (the landscape AND the people!) than you can possibly imagine. Can't wait to hear all about it!!

 

[jrose529]

jrose25- have an amazing vacation- Hawaii is like no place on earth, you are in for more beauty (the landscape AND the people!) than you can possibly imagine. Can't wait to hear all about it!!

Thanks podsnel! I am so looking forward to this trip. I have always wanted to go, but DH didn't want to travel for so many hours. I finally convinced him, but I'm not looking forward to the long flight! We are flying direct from Newark.

 

[Dean]

Warren and Annabelle's is the most amazing thing ever. You do have to reserve ahead of time, if you wait until you get there, it's unlikely you'll get in. Last I heard they had done away with their kids show and it's adult only. Not bad by most standards but still some adult humor.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree that the sunrise at the crator is a must. As you can tell from the pictures, you do need to dress warm for that! Even with our warm clothes on, we froze! It's almost another world type experience though, and WELL worth the early morning.

The Road to Hanna is impressive too, and be sure you go beyond Hanna to the 7 pools.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just wanted to say also that you need to reconsider the helicopter trip. We love those, and take them on every island. IT is a perfect way to see each island!

 

[jekjones1558]

On the way back from Hana stop to watch the wind surfers in Paia and have a drink or meal at Mama's Fish House. It is in an idyllic cove.
This thread is making me SO lonesome for Hawaii. Medical issues keep getting in the way of us returning. If I ever get back there I am probably going to be in tears, I will be so grateful. I have to admit that I love Hawaii even more than WDW, and that is REALLY saying something!

 

[Califgirl]

We've been to Maui several times and my husband is there now 'with the guys' for a golf vacation. We stay at the Westin Ka'anapali Villas, and love it. DH and the guys are in a 2 bedroom ocean view villa right now.

I too would encourage you to rethink the helicopter tour. We've taken a couple of them and always enjoy them. It is a great way to see the island. In fact one tour we took started out with a 2 hour horseback ride through the island, lunch and then a helicopter tour. That was a blast!
Also, if you go up to view the sunrise, stop by the Tedeschi winery on the way back down the mountain. I love their pineapple wine (goes well with fish, should you be grilling fish on the out door grills at the villas) Also there is a lavender farm on the way up the mountain (or way down ) If you make a reservation, you can have lavender 'tea', and a tour of the farm.
We always spend a lot of time in the water, the snorkeling is great.
I haven't seen Warren & Annabel yet. Last time we were there they were 'dark'. I guess everyone needs a vacation!

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

You have many great recommendations here and I know you are going to have a wonderful trip! I loooove Maui. It is my favorite island...favorite place to be overall. If you have time, try some local foodie faves like Local Boys shaved ice in Kihei for the best shaved ice anywhere. I love the Melona with cream on top and their special ice cream on the bottom. Kihei Caffe also has the hands down best Loco Moco anywhere. I always split this with someone, though, because it is gigantic. It's Portuguese sausage fried rice with a ground beef patty, an egg, and yummy gravy on top. This is perfect with a glass of POG(pineapple orange guava juice) on the side. If you are a Louis Vuitton fan, pick up some goodies there because prices are cheaper there than over here because of the lower tax. The mall is very close to the Grand Wailea.

Like others have said, Road to Hana is long and very windy. Stop along the way if you have time...lovely waterfalls and areas to hike. Bring mosquito repellent. They love the tourists. lol. Watch out for the school bus drivers, they drive crazy there! lol. Snorkeling in Molokini is also very popular. Hope on a boat trip and they offer lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and snuba, too. Old Lahaina Lua is the best...good choice on that! There is so much to see and do...too much for your trip, but you can also go back!